What are the definitions of “count down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Wait impatiently or excitedly for something to happen.
I'm COUNTING DOWN the days till they leave.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “count down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb count down is to wait impatiently or excitedly for something to happen, often by counting the days, hours, or minutes until the event occurs.
What are the different verb forms of “count down”?
| Root Verb | count down |
| Third Person Singular Present | counts down |
| Present Participle | counting down |
| Simple Past | counted down |
| Past Participle | counted down |
Example
We count down the days until our vacation.
Example
She counts down the hours until the concert starts.
Example
He is counting down the minutes until the end of the workday.
Example
Yesterday, they counted down the seconds until the new year began.
Example
The days have been counted down, and now it's finally time for the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “count down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“count down” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
We counted down the days until our vacation.
Example
She counted down the hours until the concert starts.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“count down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
We counted down the days until our vacation.
Example
She counted down the hours until the concert starts.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “count down”?
Countdown timer
A device or tool that counts down the time remaining until a specific event or moment.
Example
The countdown timer on the website shows how much time is left until the sale ends.
Countdown sequence
The final moments before a significant event, such as the launch of a rocket or the start of a race.
Example
The countdown sequence for the rocket launch began at T-minus 10 seconds.
Countdown show
A radio or television program that ranks songs, movies, or other items in a list, usually in reverse order, leading up to the top item.
Example
I always listen to the weekly countdown show to discover new music.
Good things to know
Does “count down” have an informal or formal tone?
Count down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as news reports or scientific discussions.
